Integrated Antenna Signal Chain With Waveguide Stack and Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional satellite communication systems have complex and costly antenna assemblies due to the use of discrete, commercial off-the-shelf components, leading to increased size, assembly complexity, and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
An integrated signal chain is developed, featuring a waveguide network formed by a stack of two layers with embedded transmit and receive modules, and a thermal management system, reducing the number of components and simplifying the assembly by integrating transmit and receive modules with the waveguide network in a planar configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If discrete commercial off-the-shelf components are used to build the signal chain, then the system can be assembled using standard components, but the part count increases, assembly complexity increases, and overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete components (waveguide, transmit module, receive module, heat sinks, and interconnects) into a single integrated signal chain assembly. The waveguide serves as the structural backbone to which transmit and receive modules are directly mounted, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and complex interconnection hardware. This merging reduces part count and assembly complexity while maintaining manufacturing ease through modular integration.
2Reliability
If multiple discrete components are used in the signal chain, then functional requirements are met, but the overall size and volume of the antenna system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where transmit and receive modules are mounted directly on the exterior surfaces of the waveguide structure. The heat sinks are integrated with the modules, and all components are consolidated within a compact volume. This nesting approach maintains the functional reliability of discrete components while minimizing the overall volume occupied by the signal chain assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If discrete components with separate mounting structures are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but the assembly process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains segmentation by using standardized modular components (transmit module, receive module, heat sink assemblies) that can be independently optimized and manufactured. However, these modular segments are designed with standardized mounting interfaces that allow them to be quickly assembled onto the waveguide structure, thereby maintaining component adaptability while significantly improving assembly productivity through reduced complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated signal chain reduces the part count, simplifies assembly and maintenance, and minimizes signal transmission and reception complexity, resulting in a more compact and reliable antenna system.
Implementation Method 1
The waveguide network includes a first transmit waveguide channel (transmit WGC) configured to communicate first transmit electromagnetic signals associated with an antenna from a first transmit port to an antenna feed port, and a first receive waveguide channel (receive WGC) configured to communicate first receive electromagnetic signals associated with the antenna from the antenna feed port to a first receive port
Implementation Method 2
A thermal management assembly is configured to for airflow in an airflow path to dissipate heat from one or more components of the communication assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated signal chain includes a waveguide network defined by first and second waveguide layers forming a waveguide stack. A first transmit waveguide channel (WGC) is configured to communicate first transmit electromagnetic signals from a first transmit port to an antenna feed port, and a first receive WGC is configured to communicate first receive electromagnetic signals from the antenna feed port to a first receive port. A transmit module is attached to an exterior side of the first waveguide layer, and the first transmit WGC couples the transmit module to the antenna. A receive module is attached to the exterior side of the first waveguide layer, and the first receive WGC couples the antenna to the receive module. A modem may be included. A thermal management assembly can be configured to dissipate heat from the modem, the receive module, and/or the transmit module.